St. Peter’s meet formidable St. Sebastian’s today and tomorrow at Katuneriya 

5th Battle of Seagulls

St. Peter’s College, Negombo will meet formidable St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya in the fifth ‘Battle of Seagulls’ Big Match today and tomorrow at Katuneriya.The two Division II schools are meeting in the annual battle after concluding the Under 19 two-day cricket tournament in contrasting fashions.

St. Sebastian’s captained by Chathumal Nimesh Fernando enjoyed remarkable success this season. They are one of the two newly promoted Division I teams. They clinched the Division II title this season as an unbeaten team.

In contrast, the Petes could not reach the business end of the tournament after being placed sixth in their group during the first round of the tournament proper. The team captained by Manula Gimhan will be eager to make amends when they take on their formidable arch-rivals.

For St. Sebastian’s skipper and offie Chathumal Nimesh with over 100 wickets for the season, left-arm spinner Tharuka Manaram (over 50 wickets) and Thisara Madushan (49 wickets) are the key strike bowlers. In the batting department Chathumal Nimesh (over 600 runs), Nimesh Madusanka (over 400 runs), ThisaraMadushan (over 700 runs), Gayan Harshana (over 600 runs), Ashen Dinuka (over 400 runs) and Hasith Kavinda (over 600 runs) are the players to watch.

St. Peter’s will rely heavily on all-rounder Naveen Athishta for both wickets and runs. He has scored over 700 runs this season and is the key strike bowler (66 wickets for the season). Right-arm paceman Manula Gimhan (over 30 wickets) and left-armer Yohan Alwis (over 30 wickets) are the other leading bowlers. Nimesh Sri Randika (over 300 runs), Gimhan Fernando (over 300 runs) and Nilupul Chamodan (over 300 runs) are expected to share the batting responsibilities with Athishta.

The victory tally of this series stands 1-0 in favour of St. Sebastian’s, who won in 2018.

Teams

St. Sebastian’s College (from): Chathumal Nimesh (Captain), Viraj Menura, Vishwa Tharuka, Venuth Kavimira, Nimesh Madusanka, Sithum Tharindu, Thisara Madushan, Gayan Harshana, Hasith Kavinda, Vihanga Theekshana, Malindu Daham, Nishal Rashmika, Tharuka Manaram, Dinuka Sandun, Dinidu Dilan, Naveen Nethsara, Oshan Asiri.

Officials: Rev. Fr. Viraj Eranga Rodrigo (Principal), Rev. Bro. H.P.M. Sanushka (Master-in-Charge), Kasuri Jinanjalee (Prefect of Games), W.S.P. Costa (Head Coach), Shevon Yonathan (Asst. Coach).

St. Peter’s College (from): Manula Gimhan (Captain), Naveen Athishta, Nimesh Sri Randika, Carol Ravinton, Akeel Shenesh, Thimira Kavinda, Nilupul Chamodan, Yohan Alwis, Avishka Rohan, Rayan Himasha, Lahiru Dananjaya, Oshem Shinath, Yohan Primosh, Akidu Vidusha, Dasun Kavinda, Shamal Ridmika, Milinda Dineth, Muditha Gautham, Masitha Fernando, Supasan Diluka.

Officials: K.D.R.D.W.Fernando (Principal), S.A.L.D.Nilantha (Prefect of Games), Manjula Vas (Master in Charge), Gihan Sudeepa (Head Coach), Nimna Fernando (Asst. Coach)